Our adoration for the Ford Ranger is undeniable. The older models hold a special place in our hearts, and while the latest generation of this mid-size truck comes with its own merits, it’s hard to ignore the envy we feel towards the diverse range of body styles and powertrain options available to our friends across the pond. It is in Europe where you’ll uncover the all-new, factory-tweaked variant of the Ranger known as the MS-RT. This model is a street-truck masterpiece crafted by Ford’s M-Sport rally team, featuring a lowered and widened design that is exclusively offered in Europe.
The Ranger has been expanded by 3.2 inches on each side by M-Sport, making the striking body kit impossible to miss. This truck is equipped with 21-inch wheels wrapped in Continental ContiSport Connect tires, complemented by a track that is 1.6 inches wider than usual. Additionally, the suspension has been lowered by 1.6 inches, resulting in a noticeably aggressive stance. The sporty appeal extends to the front and rear with the presence of honeycomb matte black accents, a signature feature of performance vehicles.
Despite its flashy exterior enhancements, the truck retains its 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine, delivering a robust 237 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. Power is effectively managed by a 10-speed automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels for optimal traction. While we may not see a Ranger street truck in the U.S. with this diesel engine, perhaps a Ranger Raptor version powered by the EcoBoost V6 delivering 405 hp could pique our interest.
Functionality hasn’t been compromised despite the high-performance nature of the Ranger MS-RT. It boasts a max payload capacity of 2,205 pounds and can tow up to 7,716 pounds, slightly exceeding the U.S. rating of 7,500 pounds. This pickup truck effortlessly blends style and utility to get the job done.
While my influence over Ford’s U.S. truck lineup is limited, your feedback could potentially sway their decisions. However, the likelihood of this exclusive model making its way to our shores seems slim. Perhaps our energy would be better spent advocating for a Maverick ST or a similar offering.
Although driving a lowered and performance-focused Ranger sounds appealing, I personally prefer navigating sharp corners in a compact, turbocharged pickup truck.
Got a tip or question for the author? Contact them directly: caleb@thedrive.com
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